A sixth player has gone down with an injury in England’s notoriously brutal training environment.
Sam Underhill also suffered an injury early into the camp, but did go on to play a part in England’s victory over the US Eagles last weekend.
“Unfortunately, they are just part of the game. I don’t think it is new in the game at all,” said defence coach John Mitchell when asked about the spate of injuries two weeks ago.
“You have had other teams, including the Lions, that have lost players in their preparation. The demands of this level of rugby require you to train and stress the players at a level that is equivalent to the game or above the game. It’s part and parcel of the preparation.”
#1. TED HILL
A Worcester Warriors statement on their website says: “Warriors Club Captain Ted Hill has sustained an ankle injury training with England.
“Hill won his second cap as a replacement lock in last Sunday’s victory over USA at Twickenham and was expected to be involved in Saturday’s international against Canada.
“The injury has ruled Hill out of the match. He will remain in camp with England while the medical staff await further assessments to establish the extent of his injury.”
#2. SEAN ROBINSON
Tbe 30-year-old, picked up a knee ligament injury in training that is still being assessed.
AN RFU squad update read: “Sean Robinson has withdrawn from the England squad with an MCL knee injury sustained in training. He will undergo further assessment this week but will be unavailable for the rest of the summer series.
#3. MILES REID
An RFU spokesperson said: “Miles Reid has a facial bone fracture in training so he will be out for the England summer series.
"It’s a bit too soon to put the timescale on it.
“During those times his professionalism and mental strength has been outstanding and there is no doubt he will come back even better prepared ahead of the Premiership season.
“We will support Miles in every way we can to ensure a safe and strong return to the field.”
#4&5. FRASER DINGWALL & OLLIE SLEIGHTHOLME
Sleightholme (concussion) and Dingwall (calf) picked up the problems during England training and have been ruled out.
#6. JOSH MCNALLY
McNally earned his first international cap against the US Eagles last weekend but suffered a shoulder injury in training which has ruled him out of contention for this weekend’s game against Canada.
As with Hill, the 31-year-old will remain with England for rest of the summer series with further assessment needed to discover the full extent of the injury.
